Are you trying to check your credit for free? If so, don’t be surprised if you find it a little confusing, especially when it comes to the question of a free credit report versus a free credit score. What’s the difference? Which should you get? And how? Free Credit Reports First, let’s talk about free […] Read More

Not checking your credit can be expensive. The information in credit reports (and the credit scores derived from them) is often used to help determine interest rates on credit cards, car loans and mortgages. Some insurance discounts are based on credit scores, and some jobs require a credit report check in the hiring process. Mistakes […] Read More

If you’ve just started building credit, there’s a good chance you have what’s called a “thin” credit file. A thin credit file can mean you are new to the credit world, but even someone who has had a mortgage for 30 years can have a thin file if they haven’t opened any other credit accounts […] Read More

Despite a record number of data breaches and incidents of identity theft, Americans still question the importance of monitoring their credit reports. According to a survey conducted by Credit.com, 26% of Americans who claim they have never checked their credit reports said they never checked because the reports aren’t important to them. The February 2015 […] Read More

Do you want to check your free credit report for mistakes or fraud? Or do you want to know what lenders see when they review your credit? If so, you may be wondering, “How do I get my free annual credit report?” Credit.com provides consumers with an easy-to-understand overview of their credit, along with their […] Read More

Starting over or starting from scratch with your credit? Be patient. Building up a brand-new credit history or re-establishing credit after some credit missteps (such as late payments) takes time. Give yourself at least a year to see some progress with your credit. Payment history accounts for 35% of a credit score and establishing or […] Read More

In this guide, we are explaining the main factors that make up your credit score, so you can make sure yours is as strong as possible. Payment History and Your Amount of Debt and their level of impact to your credit scores are the first two factors we’ve covered, and they account for about 65% […] Read More

If an imposter has opened fraudulent credit accounts in your name, you will want to act fast to protect your identity and your credit record. First, to deter thieves from opening more accounts in your name, place an initial 90-day fraud alert on your credit file. Call one of the three major credit reporting agencies, […] Read More

When you pay by credit you are borrowing the money you need to make purchases. When a creditor or lender offers you credit, you agree to pay back the amount that you spend or borrow plus interest. Here are a few of the most common ways we use credit: You are using credit when you […] Read More

Wondering if you will qualify for the loan or credit account that you desire? Think like a potential lender and consider how well you meet the six C’s of credit, key credit criteria that lenders use when assessing loan and credit applicants. Character You have good credit character when you live up to your financial […] Read More

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